Switzerland plays a crucial role in international politics across many areas. We uncover the complexities of Swiss politics globally and provide fresh perspectives on international developments.
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Six takeaways from the rejection of the neutrality initiative
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The bid to enshrine a stricter form of neutrality in the constitution failed due to doubts about the motives of those behind the proposal.
Six takeaways from the rejection of the neutrality initiative
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The bid to enshrine a stricter form of neutrality in the constitution failed due to doubts about the motives of those behind the proposal.
Switzerland juggles fighting crime against threat to tech-privacy industry
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See how Switzerland’s surveillance reforms pit cybercrime policing against its privacy-tech industry and firms like Proton.
Austria, Costa Rica and Malta: neutral but unlike Switzerland
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Apart from Switzerland, several countries – from Austria to Costa Rica via Malta – describe themselves as neutral. But their models differ significantly.
Russia sanctions at heart of Swiss neutrality vote
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Swiss voters will decide on a neutrality initiative on September 27. But how far do Switzerland’s sanctions against Russia go, and how effectively are they enforced?
In AI arms race, Swiss neutrality is double-edged sword
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From Google and Anthropic to tech startups, AI developers are keen on Switzerland – despite concerns that military neutrality may curb access to lucrative foreign defence markets.
Google’s business dealings with Israel: Swiss servers raise sensitive questions
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Google provides Israel with cloud services that are co-developed in Switzerland and may also be used for military purposes.
Staying in neutral? How Swiss and Irish debates compare
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Defence shifts in Europe have put pressure on old policies in Ireland and Switzerland – and sparked heated resistance to any change.
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The documentary “En Terrain Neutre” (Neutral Ground) puts the spotlight on Swiss neutrality in a comic road movie that comes as voters weigh enshrining the principle in the Constitution.
Why Switzerland stopped short of formally sanctioning Ukraine
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Swiss neutrality is often misunderstood. An analysis shows how Switzerland’s response to the war against Ukraine divides the Swiss and puzzles outsiders.
War in outer space is coming: Why Switzerland should play a role
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The risk of military escalation in space is growing. Switzerland should take a stance on this issue, writes Clémence Piorier.
How Switzerland is managing foreign aid at a time of global upheaval
Switzerland, like other rich donors, is slashing its aid budget and recasting assistance priorities in response to global crises – and national interests.
How water is driving a pushback against authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan
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Once seen as Central Asia’s “island of democracy”, Kyrgyzstan has seen that reputation fade in recent years. Swiss-backed water projects are now helping to bolster local communities.
As Switzerland shakes up its foreign aid, will it stay committed to democracy?
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With the government planning to boost short-term humanitarian aid at the expense of longer-term projects, this could be bad news for democracy promotion.
After the ceasefire, survival still defines life in Gaza
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Nine months after the ceasefire in Gaza, peace remains elusive. Food queues, water trucks, and torn tents define everyday life as families struggle to meet basic needs.
Murder of Swiss aid worker remains unsolved as statute of limitations approaches
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Swiss aid worker Walter Arnold wanted to expose alleged wrongdoing. Three decades later, his murder remains unsolved as the statute of limitations is about to expire.
How Swiss cities are stepping up as foreign aid budgets shrink
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Local governments in Europe are defying state cuts to development assistance and helping cities in lower-income regions tackle problems like climate change.
Why Swiss China scholars can’t build the China expertise they need
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Increasingly stringent controls on overseas research into China have made it difficult for many scholars including those in Switzerland, to conduct research on China.
Swiss public backs development aid even as politicians cut budgets
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Most people support funding for development cooperation or would even like to see it increased, write Dina Pomeranz and Deborah Kistler.
War and drought push Lebanon agriculture to breaking point
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War, economic collapse and declining rainfall are pushing Lebanon’s agricultural sector to the brink. Even water projects backed by Switzerland are struggling to cope.
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Development banks are becoming increasingly important in light of cuts to foreign aid by Western countries such as the US and Switzerland. But what do they achieve for the Global South?
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For decades the country’s exporters focused on adding value, but US tariffs and the strong franc are now hitting them harder.
More sustainable global trade is possible and Switzerland has a role to play, says report
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Switzerland, a major hub for commodities trading, could use its position to influence this sector and steer it towards greater sustainability.
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Authorities have uncovered a scandal involving accounting irregularities worth $159 billion (CHF127 billion). A gold refinery in Ticino and a holding company in Lucerne are at the centre of the case.
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As global trade rules fray, countries are scrambling to shore up export markets and diversify partners. For Switzerland, this could come with an added complication: the ballot box.
How a project in Peru supports sustainable cocoa – and serves Swiss interests
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Switzerland supports farmers in Peru so they can produce in a more social and green way – and so chocolate producers have access to cocoa.
Global trade under strain: why rules still matter for nations like Switzerland
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Former chief economist of the WTO, Ralph Ossa, explains why economies such as Switzerland need to defend and adapt the rules-based system.
When Winston Churchill called for European unity in neutral Zurich
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In September 1946, Winston Churchill delivered a famous speech in Zurich, calling for a “United States of Europe”. What became of his idea?
Switzerland juggles fighting crime against threat to tech-privacy industry
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See how Switzerland’s surveillance reforms pit cybercrime policing against its privacy-tech industry and firms like Proton.
Switzerland’s crackdown on dirty money has a blind spot
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Has Switzerland ceased to be a safe haven for the fortunes of corrupt heads of state and their families? Only partly. Here are the key facts.
To save football, it’s time to start over – beyond FIFA
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Rather than try to reform FIFA, a better option would be to abolish it and replace it with a new world body, argues ethics expert Thomas Beschorner.
In AI arms race, Swiss neutrality is double-edged sword
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From Google and Anthropic to tech startups, AI developers are keen on Switzerland – despite concerns that military neutrality may curb access to lucrative foreign defence markets.
A brief history of Swiss banking oversight and its scandals
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Scandals and outside pressure have shaped Swiss banking regulations – yet powerful financial lobbies have often managed to water them down.
Swiss candidate for ECHR faces unprecedented smear campaign
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Federal Court judge Julia Hänni almost withdrew her candidacy for the European Court of Human Rights after an anonymous campaign accusing her of plagiarism.
Why Swiss China scholars can’t build the China expertise they need
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Increasingly stringent controls on overseas research into China have made it difficult for many scholars including those in Switzerland, to conduct research on China.
The future of International Geneva lies in New York
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Geneva is often described as the “engine room” of the multilateral system but it depends on the political decisions taken at the UN headquarters in New York.
Human remains in museum depots force Swiss to confront colonial legacy
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Canton Basel City is returning the remains of three Indigenous people to Chile. At least 4,000 human remains from the colonial era are held in Swiss museums.
Why are human remains from the colonial era stored in Swiss museums?
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At least 4,000 human remains from the colonial era are still held in Swiss museums. A cultural anthropologist explains how this came about.
When Winston Churchill called for European unity in neutral Zurich
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In September 1946, Winston Churchill delivered a famous speech in Zurich, calling for a “United States of Europe”. What became of his idea?
Switzerland juggles fighting crime against threat to tech-privacy industry
This content was published on
See how Switzerland’s surveillance reforms pit cybercrime policing against its privacy-tech industry and firms like Proton.
Will killer robots be banned after a conference in Geneva?
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The prospect of autonomous weapons capable of targeting people without human intervention has alarmed the UN and the Red Cross.
Austria, Costa Rica and Malta: neutral but unlike Switzerland
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Apart from Switzerland, several countries – from Austria to Costa Rica via Malta – describe themselves as neutral. But their models differ significantly.
Russia sanctions at heart of Swiss neutrality vote
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Swiss voters will decide on a neutrality initiative on September 27. But how far do Switzerland’s sanctions against Russia go, and how effectively are they enforced?
Having fewer nuclear tests was a choice – and will be in future
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The tools to stop a return to nuclear testing already exist. Ahead of the International Day against Nuclear Tests, CTBTO chief Robert Floyd calls for the political will to put them to work.
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Referendums in Switzerland sometimes seem far removed from the concerns of International Geneva. This will not be the case on September 27.
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For decades the country’s exporters focused on adding value, but US tariffs and the strong franc are now hitting them harder.
Switzerland’s crackdown on dirty money has a blind spot
This content was published on
Has Switzerland ceased to be a safe haven for the fortunes of corrupt heads of state and their families? Only partly. Here are the key facts.
How Switzerland is managing foreign aid at a time of global upheaval
Switzerland, like other rich donors, is slashing its aid budget and recasting assistance priorities in response to global crises – and national interests.
Switzerland seeks to build role in post-Assad Syria
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Since the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024, many states have been striving to rebuild their relations with Syria. What is Switzerland doing?
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Switzerland is a perennial backdrop for peace talks. Why do warring parties often choose it for negotiations – and what do the Swiss gain from hosting them?
Swiss mobilise quiet diplomacy to help return Ukraine’s stolen children
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Formerly just an observer, Switzerland joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children earlier this year.
Switzerland is the depositary state for 75 international treaties – what does that mean?
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Switzerland is best known as a depositary state for the Geneva Conventions. In this role, it has clearly defined responsibilities – but is also constantly asked to do more.
To save football, it’s time to start over – beyond FIFA
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Rather than try to reform FIFA, a better option would be to abolish it and replace it with a new world body, argues ethics expert Thomas Beschorner.
In AI arms race, Swiss neutrality is double-edged sword
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From Google and Anthropic to tech startups, AI developers are keen on Switzerland – despite concerns that military neutrality may curb access to lucrative foreign defence markets.
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Switzerland has an extensive network of diplomatic missions abroad. With over 170 overseas offices, the possibilities extend far beyond architecture.
How water is driving a pushback against authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan
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Once seen as Central Asia’s “island of democracy”, Kyrgyzstan has seen that reputation fade in recent years. Swiss-backed water projects are now helping to bolster local communities.
A brief history of Swiss banking oversight and its scandals
This content was published on
Scandals and outside pressure have shaped Swiss banking regulations – yet powerful financial lobbies have often managed to water them down.
Swiss candidate for ECHR faces unprecedented smear campaign
This content was published on
Federal Court judge Julia Hänni almost withdrew her candidacy for the European Court of Human Rights after an anonymous campaign accusing her of plagiarism.
As Switzerland shakes up its foreign aid, will it stay committed to democracy?
This content was published on
With the government planning to boost short-term humanitarian aid at the expense of longer-term projects, this could be bad news for democracy promotion.
